Shop4Plymouth new online marketplace launched to support local retail businesses

Shop local, support independent retailers and buy everything you need – from food and drink to gifts from the safety of your home.

A new online marketplace is making it easy to do just that. Shop 4 Plymouth showcases local traders that are open and following Government guidelines or which have adapted to offer a delivery service instead.

The initiative has been set up by the Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth City Council, with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The website makes it easy for you to find what you’re looking for in three different categories: Food and Drink, Art and Craft and Home and Gifts.

Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, which runs the City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Our independent businesses have been hit particularly hard by this crisis, so we wanted to take action and give them the helping hand they need.

“Shop 4 Plymouth will give them an online marketplace and the opportunity for shoppers to support their local traders by continuing to shop locally from the comfort of their homes.

“People have had to change their shopping habits and, in many cases, they are enjoying reconnecting with the traditional values provided by local, independent traders.”

There’s a huge range of items available to buy from Plymouth retailers. Enjoy a treat at home with a takeaway cream tea or freshly cooked pasties, or order wine and gin to your door. If you’re finding yourself with more free time during lockdown, you can even order art materials or plants to be delivered to you at home.

The Shop 4 Plymouth website also lists independent shops selling fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and baked goods, offering a local alternative to supermarket chains.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve been working hard to support local businesses as much as possible. This has included the creation of the successful Call 4 Fish initiative, offering quay to doorstep deliveries of fish, and ensuring swift payment of business grants to those eligible in Plymouth.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure local businesses survive this unprecedented time and Shop 4 Plymouth will make it easier than ever for people in the community to purchase the items they need, while shopping local and supporting local jobs – it’s a win-win. What these businesses need now is for the public to get behind them and show their support, using this platform to shop for Plymouth.”

Garry Haine, owner of The Art Side said: “We have been promoting our services online with the support of the Plymouth City Centre Company and we have been picking up new orders. This new website is a great idea to get people to return to shopping locally but in a different way.”

Ben Shearn, owner of The Treasury bar and restaurant, has been doing special deliveries during the lockdown which he will now be promoting on Shop 4 Plymouth. He said: “It’s been inspirational to see how independent businesses have risen to the challenge in the last few weeks. We have been delivering ‘boxes of happiness’, quintessential afternoon teas for delivery, perfect as gifts to raise a smile.”

Find out more and start shopping at shop4plymouth.co.uk.

If you run a business that is operating an adjusted service and would like to be added to the directory, please email info@citycentrebid.co.uk.